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Asbestosis is still in the air

The federal government identified the dangers of asbestos more than 30 years ago—but today union legislative representatives are still battling in Congress for adequate compensation for those who suffer from asbestosis or have been exposed on the job.

Asbestos is still used in over 3,000 products including brake linings, and is still present in insulation in older buildings. It is estimated that more than 1.3 million workers are exposed to significant levels of asbestos on the job. The heaviest exposures are in the construction industry, particularly during building renovation or demolition.

Data from the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates 1,493 people died from asbestos related exposures in 2000 compared to 77 in 1968. Since asbestosis related diseases can take up to 40 years from time of exposure to severe sickness stages, the CDC anticipates the death rate will increase even more through the next decade. CDC compiled its data by reviewing the death certificates of nearly 125,000 people who had links to asbestos, particularly inhalation exposures. In 1998, asbestos related deaths overtook those of black lung disease.

The likelihood of exposure can be particularly high in maintenance work and in manufacturing using products containing asbestos. Controlling this exposure requires a combination of engineering controls, administrative actions, and personal protective equipment. Engineering controls include isolating the source and using ventilation equipment. Administrative actions include limiting the worker exposure time and providing showers. Personal protective equipment includes proper respiratory equipment and clothing.

A recent congressional debate failed to secure an agreement on compensation for asbestos exposure victims, and multiple previous funding mechanisms have failed to provide adequate funding to compensate victims who have become very sick or even died. Union legislative representatives are seeking the billions of dollars required to provide the long-term compensation workers deserve. Some parties in the debate are ready to settle for less than what the unions have judged necessary for the immediate and foreseeable number of exposure cases workers will experience. Unions will use every possible means to guarantee workers who suffer from asbestos related sickness will be protected.